Praying to Jehovah so as to Be Heard

“He that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.”​—Heb. 11:6.

1-3. (a) What does the experience of a little girl tell us? (b) What lesson is there in this for all parents?

IT HAPPENED at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Despite repeated stern looks and whispered reproofs from her mother, a little girl continued to misbehave. The mother then signaled for the father to take over, and he did. With his daughter, he strode toward a small room at the rear of the hall. Realizing what was in store for her, the little girl cried out: “O Jehovah, please help!”

² Whenever this incident is related, it elicits chuckles, and well it might. But is it only amusing, or does it tell us something? Indeed it does tell us something. The little girl knew the name of God the Creator, that it is Jehovah, something very few little girls know. She had been taught the value of prayer and that Jehovah can be appealed to for help in times of trouble. True, it does seem amusing that she would ask God to protect her from needed discipline. But, really, is such a request limited to naïve little girls? Not at all. The nation of Israel time and again did the very same thing, especially in the days of the judges. Repeatedly, when receiving merited punishment, they prayed to God for relief.​—Judg. 2:11-18; 4:1-3, 23, 24; 10:6-16; 11:32, 33.

³ There is a lesson in this for all Christian parents. Start early in life to inculcate in your children faith in Jehovah God. Help them to appreciate and to understand that Jehovah is a real person who hears and answers prayers. Teaching children about prayer from infancy will contribute much toward their becoming God-fearing when they reach the age of accountability.​—Compare Psalm 22:9, 10; Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:14, 15.

WHY GIVE THOUGHT TO YOUR PRAYERS

4, 5. (a) What questions regarding prayer do we do well to ask ourselves? (b) Why are such questions most timely?

⁴ But what role does prayer play in your life? How much do you pray? Do you often find yourself too busy even to pray? Or, do you perhaps hurry through your prayers mechanically, as a chore, a duty that must be fulfilled? What is the quality of your prayers?

⁵ These thought-provoking questions are timely. Even among those identifying themselves as Jehovah’s servants there are persons who do not pray regularly. others feel that their prayers lack meaningful content and substance. This is something that a Christian may not take lightly, for the quality of his prayers reflects his spiritual condition. A person’s spiritual health, in turn, depends largely on his being conscious of his spiritual need and doing something about it. (Matt. 5:3) At the same time, by giving thought to the quality of his prayers, the individual can improve his spiritual state.

WHY WE CAN COME TO JEHOVAH IN CONFIDENCE

6. In view of what the Bible says at Psalm 65:2, Philippians 4:6 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17, why can we pray to God with confidence?

⁶ Why can we confidently come to Jehovah, expecting him to listen to our prayers? First of all, because he identifies himself as the “Hearer of prayer” and repeatedly commands us to pray. (Ps. 65:2) His Word contains such commands as: “Pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation.” (Matt. 26:41) “Pray for one another.” (Jas. 5:16) “Persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12) “Pray incessantly.” (1 Thess. 5:17) “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.”​—Phil. 4:6.

7. Who were some exemplary men of prayer?

⁷ The Bible also provides examples, in effect, indirect commands for us to pray. From Genesis to Revelation, the inspired record abounds with examples of men of prayer. We read of Abraham’s praying to Jehovah. (Gen. 12:8) From the time of his baptism in the Jordan to his hanging on the execution stake, Jesus Christ time and again prayed to his Father. (Luke 3:21; 23:46) The apostle Paul mentions the subject of prayer literally dozens of times in his letters. Repeatedly he tells of praying for others, gives encouragement to pray, or asks others to pray for him. (Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 6:18, 19) The book of Revelation, written by the apostle John, closes with two prayers.​—Rev. 22:20, 21.

8. Because of what issue can we approach God with confidence?

⁸ A second reason for our being able to approach God confidently in prayer is that his name is involved. This includes his name or reputation as the “Hearer of prayer.” Also, since his name is attached to his people, seeming evidence of his forsaking them would be wrongly interpreted by observers as revealing Jehovah’s inability to aid his wayward servants. This would bring reproach on his name. Thus, at Psalm 79:9, we read: “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the sake of the glory of your name; and deliver us and cover over our sins on account of your name.” Moses, Joshua, David and Hezekiah all prayed to the same effect. (Ex. 32:11, 12; Josh. 7:8, 9; 2 Ki. 19:15-19; Ps. 25:11) And the prophet Daniel made his appeal in these words: ‘O Jehovah, do pay attention and act. Do not delay, for your own name has been called upon your city and upon your people.’ (Dan. 9:19) Yes, if we really bear Jehovah’s name, we can plead with him on that basis.

9. Why can we confidently plead with God for mercy and forgiveness?

⁹ A third reason for expecting Jehovah to hear our prayers is that he knows our limitations and wants to help us. The psalmist David expressed this as follows: “As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions. As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those fearing him. For he himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust.” (Ps. 103:12-14; see also Psalm 51:5.) Hence, when we are overtaken in a fault, when we bungle matters or make a serious mistake, we can plead with Jehovah God on the basis of our weaknesses and imperfections.

10. As illustrated in the case of Job and that of Paul and others, why can we approach God with confidence?

¹⁰ Another weighty reason for being able to come to Jehovah with confidence is that he will hear our prayers on the basis of our being integrity-keepers. Job made an eloquent plea to this effect, saying: “Let God weigh me in the scales of justice, and he will know that I am innocent!” (Job 31:6, The New English Bible) Similarly, Paul asked fellow believers: “Carry on prayer for us, for we trust we have an honest conscience, as we wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Heb. 13:18) That we have to be upright from God’s standpoint is also evident from what the apostle John wrote: “Beloved ones, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have freeness of speech toward God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we are observing his commandments and are doing the things that are pleasing in his eyes.”​—1 John 3:21, 22.

PRAY THROUGH, NOT TO, JESUS CHRIST

11. Through whom only can we approach God in prayer?

¹¹ How can we gain access to the great “Hearer of prayer”? He has appointed that this be through Jesus Christ alone. There is only one Mediator between God and men, and one High Priest, Jesus Christ. (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25, 26) Jesus himself put it very explicitly, saying: “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) “Most truly I say to you, If you ask the Father for anything he will give it to you in my name. . . . Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.”​—John 16:23, 24.

12, 13. (a) In view of what the apostle John and Stephen did, what questions might be asked? (b) But why cannot the examples of Stephen and the apostle John be taken as reasons for praying directly to Jesus?

¹² However, some persons wonder: ‘May we not also ask things directly of Jesus himself? Did not the disciple Stephen in prayer directly address Jesus, and did not the apostle John do likewise?’ True, Stephen, just before he expired, said: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59) And the apostle John did pray: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.”​—Rev. 22:20.

¹³ However, we do well to consider the circumstances. Stephen, for example, had a vision, for he said: “Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” Therefore, because of seeing Jesus in a vision, Stephen could directly address the Son of God. (Acts 7:56) The apostle John likewise had a vision of heavenly things. (Rev. 1:1, 10; 4:1, 2) While having this vision, the apostle saw Jesus and heard him say: “He that bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes; I am coming quickly.’” (Rev. 22:20) Accordingly, John replied to what he had just heard Jesus say. Such instances are comparable to what took place when the persecutor Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus. Jesus Christ revealed himself to Saul, saying: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” As was true of the apostle John and of Stephen, Saul replied directly to Jesus: “Who are you, Lord?”​—Acts 9:4, 5.

WITH DUE REVERENCE

14, 15. When we are praying, what should our attitude, words and tone of voice indicate, and why?

¹⁴ In approaching the great Sovereign of the universe in prayer, we must also come to him in the proper manner. We may approach him only with the greatest respect, deference and deep humility. The fact that God’s Word tells us that we may come to God with “freeness of speech” does not mean that we may become familiar or casual with the great Creator. (Heb. 4:16; 1 John 3:21, 22) How thoughtlessly inappropriate to begin a prayer with an expression such as, “Good afternoon, Jehovah!” We can come with freeness of speech because of our faith and confidence in His willingness to hear and because of our being integrity-keepers. But we should do so with deep respect, with reverence.​—Compare Ecclesiastes 5:1, 2.

¹⁵ We should never forget that Jehovah God is exalted far above us. Because of our terrestrial existence and organism we are lower than the angels in power and glory. (Heb. 2:7) Moreover, we are imperfect, sinful humans. Appropriately, then, in our prayers we should use words and a tone of voice showing that we understand and appreciate our relationship with Jehovah God, for he grants an audience only to the humble ones ‘who tremble at his word.’ (Isa. 66:2) How well Jesus Christ underscored this principle in his parable about the two men who went up to the temple in Jerusalem to pray! Jehovah God paid no attention to the proud, self-righteous Pharisee, but he apparently heard and answered the prayer of the humble, contrite tax collector!​—Luke 18:9-14.

IN FAITH AND WITH PERSEVERANCE

16. What scriptures show the importance of faith in prayer?

¹⁶ Another important requirement for being heard by Jehovah is to come to him in faith. Repeatedly, this condition of prayer is called to our attention in God’s Word. Jesus said: “If you have faith the size of a mustard grain . . . nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20) At Hebrews 11:6 we are told that to please God well we must not only have faith that he exists but also that he rewards those “earnestly seeking him.” The disciple James wrote: “Keep on asking in faith, not doubting at all, for he who doubts” will not “receive anything from Jehovah.”​—Jas. 1:6, 7.

17. What counsel do the Scriptures give as to persevering in prayer?

¹⁷ For our petitions to be answered, we must also persevere in prayer. We should want to make prayer a habit. The Bible admonishes us: “Steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.” (Rom. 12:12, The New Testament in Modern English, J. B. Phillips) Jesus time and again stressed this aspect of prayer. In his Sermon on the Mount, he said: “Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.” (Matt. 7:7) In his parable about the widow who got justice from a judge who neither feared God nor respected man, Jesus likewise stressed the importance of persevering in prayer. (Luke 18:1-8) If we are truly earnest about the things for which we ask Jehovah God, we will “persevere in prayer” and “pray incessantly.”​—Rom. 12:12; 1 Thess. 5:17.

18. What things should we not permit to interfere with our having time to pray?

¹⁸ Closely related to persevering in prayer is the taking of time to pray. We should never be too busy to pray. True, there are the necessary things of life​—our daily occupation, eating, grooming, sleeping—​that take up most of our daily 24 hours. But are there not also many other things that may encroach on our time more than they should? These things may include reading the newspaper, watching television, engaging in sports activities and other forms of recreation or in relaxation. Unless we truly appreciate the precious privilege of prayer, we may well find ourselves neglecting it because of such things crowding out our time for it.

OCCASIONS FOR PRAYER

19. What are some of the many occasions that we have for praying?

¹⁹ Many indeed are the occasions or opportunities that we have for prayer. For us to be ‘praying incessantly’ involves praying on all occasions​—on rising in the morning, when retiring in the evening, before meals and during the wakeful hours of the night. (See Psalm 5:3; 92:1, 2; 119:147-149, 164; 1 Timothy 4:4, 5.) We may face serious problems or times of stress, have to shoulder weighty responsibilities; we may be called upon to speak before a Christian audience or make a defense of our faith before governmental officials. Surely, these are times for committing our concerns to Jehovah. Yes, “in all your ways take notice of [God], and he himself will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:6) Furthermore, whenever we receive some special blessing, particularly if it is unexpected or keenly desired, our hearts should well up in gratitude to Jehovah. But, of course, we do not need special reasons. Our hearts and our minds may move us to express gratitude at any other time.

20. What can be said about our bodily position in prayer?

²⁰ Since any and all times may be fitting for prayer, does this mean that we do not need to give any thought to our bodily position when praying? True, the Bible does not prescribe assuming a certain position, such as kneeling and folding the hands, when praying. But we do read of persons praying while standing, kneeling or in a prostrate position, and with hands outstretched. (See Genesis 24:26, 48; 1 Kings 8:22, 42, 44, 54; Nehemiah 2:1-4; Mark 11:25.) This would indicate that it is appropriate, when possible, to assume a respectful physical attitude when praying. For example, at a congregation meeting we may rise and bow our heads. Such a change in bodily position may also help us to concentrate on the prayer being offered in our behalf. It does seem that kneeling is an especially appropriate posture for private prayers. (Compare Daniel 6:10; Philippians 2:9, 10.) Even if we should lie prone in bed when praying before going to sleep, we must be careful to heed the apostolic injunction to “keep awake,” alert, watchful when praying.​—Eph. 6:18.

21. To come to God so as to be heard, how must we pray?

²¹ Truly, praying to Jehovah God is something that we want to take seriously. How thankful we should be that we can approach our heavenly Father, confident that he will hear us at any time! Of course, this depends on our coming to him in faith, through the proper channel, with the right frame of mind, and then persevering in prayer, never being too busy to pray. And, if you have children, patiently teach them the importance of prayer both by precept and by fine example.

‘Use Every Form of Prayer and Supplication’

“With every form of prayer and supplication . . . carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end keep awake with all constancy and with supplication in behalf of all the holy ones.”​—Eph. 6:18.

1. (a) In what ways do we want to think of Jehovah God when we come to him in prayers? (b) What four basic kinds of prayer are there?

THE Creator, Jehovah God, is not a mere impersonal First Cause but a real person with feelings. He is able to see and hear. We always want to think of him in this way when we approach him in prayer. God’s Word counsels us to do so “with every form of prayer and supplication.” (Eph. 6:18) What does this include? There are four basic forms of prayer​—praise, thanksgiving, petition and supplication.

PRAISING GOD IN PRAYER

2, 3. What is a most noble and exalted form of prayer, and what are some of many reasons for its being due Jehovah God?

² Praise is certainly a noble, exalted form of prayer. It is due the Creator because of his qualities and accomplishments. As the “Sovereign Lord Jehovah,” he is unequaled in authority. (2 Sam. 7:28) Having neither beginning nor end, Jehovah God is the peerless “King of eternity.” (1 Tim. 1:17) He is such a glorious person that no man can see him and yet live. (Ex. 33:20) The Most High is without equal, being infinite in power and wisdom, wholly just and the personification of unselfish love. (Deut. 32:4; Job 37:23; Rom. 11:33; 1 John 4:8) He made all things and so owns the entire universe. (Gen. 1:1, 31; Ps. 50:10) In name and fame, he is unrivaled. Only he can rightly say: “I SHALL PROVE TO BE.” He alone has the name Jehovah, which is understood to mean “He causes to become.” (Ex. 3:14; 6:3) Only he can rightly declare: “To whom will you people liken me or make me equal or compare me that we may resemble each other?” “I am the Divine One and there is no other God, nor anyone like me.”​—Isa. 46:5, 9.

³ Above all others, such an incomparable, matchless, peerless, unrivaled God is deserving of praise. Fittingly, scores of times, from Exodus 15:11 to Revelation 19:6, encouragement is given to praise Jehovah. In harmony with this, may we not only keep on praising the Most High in our prayers but, also, may our everyday conversation call attention to him rather than to ourselves. After all, we have nothing that we did not receive and, apart from him, we really cannot accomplish anything.​—Ps. 127:1; 1 Cor. 4:7.

RENDERING JEHOVAH THANKSGIVING

4, 5. What do the various Bible writers have to say about our giving thanks to Jehovah, and what are some of the many reasons for our doing so?

⁴ Closely related to praising Jehovah is the rendering of thanks to him. It is only right that we express appreciation for all that Jehovah has done, is doing and will yet do for us. The writers of the psalms appear to have been especially aware of the appropriateness of our expressing thanks to Jehovah. Time and again we read such expressions as “O let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness and for his wonderful works to the sons of men.” (Ps. 107:8, 15, 21, 31) Similarly, Paul counsels us to make “supplication along with thanksgiving.” Yes, we are to be “giving thanks always for all things to our God and Father.”​—Phil. 4:6; Eph. 5:20.

⁵ How many are the things for which we should daily express gratitude to our heavenly Father! We owe him thanks for all the physical and material things that we receive and that make life not only possible but also enjoyable. (Jas. 1:17) Do we appreciate all the spiritual blessings that Jehovah showers on his servants​—the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice, God’s Word and his spirit, the Christian congregation and the gift of prayer? Do we appreciate the blessing of association with fellow believers, the privilege of ministering to the needs of others, and the wonderful Kingdom hope? If so, let us express gratitude in our prayers. True, we may not always remember or enumerate all that God has done for us. But we should feel as did the psalmist: “Bless Jehovah, O my soul, and do not forget all his doings.”​—Ps. 103:2.

MAKING PETITIONS TO JEHOVAH

6. What three general areas or fields do our petitions cover, and regarding what did Jesus, first of all, instruct us to pray?

⁶ It is indeed a great comfort that we can come to Jehovah with “freeness of speech” when making our petitions. (Heb. 4:16; 1 John 3:21) As Jesus illustrated in his Model Prayer, our petitions usually relate to three general areas​—the triumph of righteousness, our spiritual needs and our physical needs. Appropriately, Jesus told us to pray, first of all, for the sanctification of Jehovah’s name, for his kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth. Jesus himself prayed: “Father, glorify your name.” (Matt. 6:9, 10; John 12:28) Included in such petitions would also be that Jehovah prosper the work of his servants on earth and that he sustain those undergoing hardships and trials for his name’s sake. (Ps. 118:25) Nor should we overlook Paul’s admonition to pray for all those in high station “in order that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness.”​—1 Tim. 2:2.

7, 8. Regarding what kind of personal matters should we next petition Jehovah?

⁷ Our prayers should also reflect serious concern over our spiritual condition. This would include petitioning our heavenly Father for forgiveness of our sins. “If anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one.” (1 John 1:8–2:1) We should also want to pray for more of God’s spirit and that we do not grieve it. (Luke 11:13; Eph. 4:30) In dealing with trialsome situations, we are encouraged in the Scriptures to pray for wisdom. (Jas. 1:5-8) Moreover, we can and should pray for Jehovah’s blessing on our sacred service, including our preaching and teaching in the field. Such prayers acknowledge the principle that, while we may plant and water, it is God who makes things grow, who prospers things.​—1 Cor. 3:7.

⁸ Further, in our petitioning God, let us not overlook or neglect any differences that we may have with a Christian brother, with our marriage mate or with some other member of our family. At such times there may be a tendency to stop communicating​—an easy and yet an unwise and selfish course to take. Instead, we should pray for guidance and strength to resolve the difficulty that we are having with someone else. Let us also ask for aid in forgiving and forgetting grievances, so that we do not become bitter and harbor grudges.​—Matt. 6:12.

9, 10. What Scriptural basis do we have for petitioning Jehovah regarding material or physical matters?

⁹ Besides spiritual matters, Jesus showed that it is proper for us to petition Jehovah God for our daily bread, our material needs. (Matt. 6:11) Yes, we may ask Jehovah God about any and all of our needs, and that for each day. This is in keeping with what Jesus further said in his Sermon on the Mount: “Do not be anxious about tomorrow; tomorrow will look after itself. Each day has troubles enough of its own.”​—Matt. 6:34, The New English Bible.

¹⁰ Are we out of work, unemployed? Then we may petition Jehovah God to bless and direct our efforts to find employment. Are we sick? We could pray for wisdom, strength and endurance to deal with our affliction in the best way possible. It is indeed a comfort that we may pour out all our concerns before Jehovah, even as we read: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6) Of course, in regard to all such matters we pray with the proviso​—‘If it be God’s will,’ just as Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane.​—Matt. 26:39; 1 Cor. 4:19; Jas. 4:15.

WITH SUPPLICATION

11-13. (a) What does it mean to make supplication to Jehovah, and regarding what matters is this most fitting? (b) How does the experience of a boy illustrate this?

¹¹ We are told to pray with “every form of prayer and supplication.” (Eph. 6:18) Why the adding of supplication to our petitions? Because supplication goes a step farther than petitions. It is especially earnest, serious prayer, heartfelt entreaty. Supplication is defined as “humble and earnest entreaty.” In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the original-language word is always used with reference to God. It therefore stresses the fact that, in addition to persevering in prayer, there is a need to be truly serious. Understandably, not all our petitions are supplications. But our prayers should include such. We even read that Jesus Christ offered “supplications . . . with strong outcries and tears, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear.” (Heb. 5:7) Similarly, when we hear of our brothers being cruelly persecuted, it would be fitting not only to petition God on their behalf but to supplicate Jehovah to give them strength to endure and to defeat the purpose of persecution.​—Compare 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.

¹² When appealing to Jehovah for help in our struggle to pummel our bodies, we rightly come before him as suppliants. (Rom. 7:15-24; 1 Cor. 9:27) Is there a problem in controlling one’s thoughts or temper? Then, besides making amends for any hurt a person may have caused, he should humbly entreat or supplicate Jehovah God for help. What if the problem involves eating or drinking? Again, it would be in order to supplicate Jehovah for aid and also to enlist the help of family members and/​or elders of the congregation.

¹³ When properly taught, even children can make supplication to Jehovah and be heard. For example, a 10-year-old boy wrote the following to the Watchtower Society: “On November 20 at 3 p.m. two boys came up to me in the schoolyard, and one of them put a knife to my throat and threatened to kill me. I prayed to Jehovah, and just then a police car drove by and the boys ran away.”

WE NEED TO ACT ACCORDINGLY

14, 15. What does consistency require of those who pray, and what are some Scriptural examples illustrating this principle?

¹⁴ Of course, when we pray to Jehovah God, we should also be willing to do our part. King David not only supplicated God in time of great distress but also took practical steps. (2 Sam. 15:31–17:14) Other faithful servants of Jehovah, such as Jacob, did likewise. (Gen. 32:9-21) Yes, our actions should be consistent with our requests.

¹⁵ Do we pray for our daily bread? Then we must be willing to work for it, for “if anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.” (Matt. 6:11; 2 Thess. 3:10) Do we pray not to be brought into temptation? Then we must avoid deliberately putting ourselves into compromising circumstances. (Matt. 6:13) Do we pray for peace among ourselves? Then we must be peacemakers. (Ps. 122:6-9; 1 Pet. 3:11) This means that we must be careful not to offend others needlessly nor to create issues unnecessarily. We should avoid being unduly sensitive. Do we pray that God’s work may increase? Then we should be having “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58) Do we pray for wisdom? Then we must also use all the means that God has provided for getting wisdom.​—Jas. 1:5-8; Ps. 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 10:23-25.

CAN WE IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR PRAYERS?

16, 17. How can we improve the quality of our prayers, keeping them warm and meaningful?

¹⁶ Our prayers reveal how spiritually minded we truly are. Can we improve the quality of our prayers and, if so, how? First of all, we should take our prayers seriously and express ourselves from the heart. By meditating more on God’s goodness and on his loving-kindness, by thinking of him as a loving Father who is also firm for what is right, we can put more warmth and feeling into our prayers. Truly, we want to speak to God from the heart, in humility. Therefore, we must guard against hurrying through our prayers. Though other things may be neglected, never should our prayers be.

¹⁷ We can also improve the quality of our prayers by putting forth effort not to use the same words and phrases over and over again. (Matt. 6:7) Such repetition may cause prayers to lack real feeling and meaning. Memorized words, more likely than not, are prone to come from the head rather than from the heart. Especially should Christians who daily take the lead in family prayer be careful in this regard. Using the same words day after day can cause the minds of those who are listening to wander. Daily meditation on Scriptural thoughts and our cultivating greater appreciation for Jehovah’s undeserved kindness toward us may help to keep our prayers warm and meaningful.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT REWARDS

18. Why might some who do not meet God’s requirements for acceptable prayers conclude that their petitions have been answered?

¹⁸ Prayer is a form of worship that is practiced world wide. Many persons believe that God answers their prayers, even though their petitions do not meet divine requirements for prayer. How can this seeming contradiction be explained? For one thing, it may simply be due to the law of averages. For instance, it is said that all soldiers in foxholes pray. Since most of them usually survive, those who do might conclude that God answered their prayers. Or, it may have been a matter of coincidence. Then again, the psychosomatic principle, the effect of the mind on the body, might account for it.

19. What evidence is there that Jehovah God does answer the prayers of those who truly are his people and who meet his requirements for prayer?

¹⁹ However, those meeting the divine requirements for prayer have undeniable evidence that Jehovah God does indeed answer their prayers. They have seen Jehovah’s blessing on their united and individual efforts. As a result, ‘the little one has become a thousand and a small one a mighty nation.’ (Isa. 60:22) In answer to their prayers, Jehovah has maneuvered matters so that ‘no weapon formed against them has succeeded.’​—Isa. 54:17.

20. By what various means does Jehovah answer sincere petitions directed to him?

²⁰ Jehovah uses both his heavenly and his earthly servants in answering sincere petitions made to him. At times, it is an angel that directs matters so that an individual who prayerfully seeks after God is visited at his home by one of Jehovah’s servants. (Compare Acts 10:30-33; 17:26, 27.) Then again, Jehovah answers many prayers by means of his earthly instruments. He may put it in the mind of one of his people to extend love or an act of kindness to a deserving person who is in real need. Or, the answer to a person’s prayer may come through a study of God’s Word, by perusing a Bible-based publication, or from what is drawn to his attention by elders in the congregation. This is so because the prayers of Jehovah’s servants often are for spiritual enlightenment or for wisdom in dealing with a particular situation.

21. What are some of the indirect benefits of prayer?

²¹ Additionally, we can derive indirect benefits from praying. The very fact that we have unburdened ourselves to Jehovah, our heavenly Father, makes us feel closer to him. By expressing appreciation to him in praise and thanksgiving, we are helped to be more content with our lot. By earnestly supplicating Jehovah, we are helped to be humble and to lean on him rather than on our own understanding and strength. (Prov. 3:5, 6; Phil. 4:13) And, of course, when we are praying, our minds are on things that are upbuilding. (Phil. 4:4-8) For example, when unable to sleep at night, it would certainly be much better to pray about Kingdom interests and spiritual matters than to worry or fret, go over grievances, build castles in the air or let our minds gravitate to the things of the flesh. Yes, we want to ‘throw all our anxiety on Jehovah, because he cares for us.’ If we hide nothing from our heavenly Father, this will help us to examine ourselves and will contribute to our becoming ever closer and more intimate with him.​—1 Pet. 5:7; 2 Cor. 13:5.

22. What does it mean to take our prayers seriously, resulting in what confidence?

²² Truly, prayer, including praise, thanksgiving and supplication, is a precious privilege, and we stand to profit greatly by taking our prayers seriously. Praying shows that we truly have faith. Surely, we want to act in harmony with our prayers, never hurry through them, always seek to improve their quality, and never let them slip into a mere routine repetition of words. Doing so, we will be benefited indirectly, and we can have the confidence that Jehovah God will reward us by answering prayers that are in harmony with his will.